Vince McMahon, the founder of WWE, has resigned from his position as executive chairman of TKO, WWE’s parent company, in the wake of troubling allegations involving sexual assault, trafficking, and physical abuse.
The allegations surfaced through a lawsuit filed by Janel Grant, a former WWE employee, who worked at the headquarters of the wrestling giant founded by McMahon.
While vehemently denying the accusations and expressing his readiness to defend himself in court, McMahon announced his immediate resignation in a statement issued on Friday. He cited respect for the WWE Universe, TKO business, board members, shareholders, partners, constituents, and all employees and Superstars as the reason for his decision.
Reports of settlements paid by McMahon to multiple women during his tenure as WWE’s CEO and chairman had circulated since at least 2022. However, Grant’s lawsuit, filed on Thursday, sheds new light on the extent of McMahon’s alleged misconduct.
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Grant’s legal complaint accuses McMahon of using a job offer at WWE and subsequent promotions as leverage for sexual favors. Furthermore, it alleges that McMahon trafficked her to other men, including John Laurinaitus, a defendant named in the suit.
The lawsuit claims McMahon subjected Grant to “extreme cruelty and degradation” during her time at WWE.
TKO Group Holdings has not commented on the allegations. WWE president Nick Khan informed staff via email that McMahon had resigned from his executive chairman and board member positions, emphasizing that he would no longer be associated with TKO Group Holdings or WWE.
This marks another pivotal moment for the wrestling entertainment company McMahon established over four decades ago. He initially retired in July 2022 amid similar allegations but returned to WWE’s board in January 2023 after the investigation concluded.
Grant’s lawsuit raises questions about the organizational culture at WWE, alleging an active effort to conceal McMahon’s wrongdoing. She claims that the special committee assigned to investigate McMahon never interviewed her or sought relevant documents.
The lawsuit details disturbing incidents, including an alleged sexual assault at WWE’s headquarters in 2021, involving McMahon, Laurinaitis, and Grant. The suit aims to hold accountable those involved in the assault and trafficking, as well as the organization allegedly complicit in or turning a blind eye to the abuse.
Despite McMahon’s exit, WWE recently secured lucrative partnerships, including Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joining TKO’s board and a significant streaming deal with Netflix, valued at over $5 billion starting in January 2025.
